What is it like to be a young designer/illustrator in the business? Do you think being young has helped or hurt you so far in your career?

You get a lot of attention for being young and talented. There are competitions geared toward designers under 30 like ADC’s Young Guns competition and Print’s New Visual Artist competition. In the beginning, your youth can become a stumbling block when clients expect cheap prices for your inexperience. You’ll hear a lot of toxic phrases like “this will be a great portfolio piece” and “this will give you great exposure”. Do what you can to keep industry standards high and not undercut other designers for working for nothing or next to nothing. Once you get some momentum and a good reputation, your youth becomes something positive as clients love to feel like they’re “in the know” and hiring a new “it” designer.

(Source: jessicahische.is)

What advice do you have for a young illustrator or graphic designer?

When you’re not doing client work, do a lot of personal work. It takes a lot of practice and exploration to be a great designer, so do it in any way possible. When looking for a day job, decide what is important to you. Jobs at big places or advertising firms tend to pay better but the work is less creative. Jobs at small studios pay less (much less sometimes) but the work can be really creative and rewarding. Plan ahead. Think of the kind of work you want to be doing and try to find the most direct path to that.

(Source: jessicahische.is)